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Ben Pickman

@benpickman.bsky.social

8.1K followers 275 following 567 posts

Cap/Basketball Strategy @ Portland Fire | Prev: The Athletic WBB, Sports Illustrated, CNN Sports |bpickman@theathletic.com | he/him

Posts Replies Media

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

🚨 SOME PERSONAL NEWS 🚨 This is my last week at The Athletic... More to come soon!

Over the past three years, I’ve worked alongside some of the most talented people in sports media. I’ve written countless stories I’m proud of — features datelined from around the world and from the sidelines of some of the most thrilling moments in the U.S. We launched a podcast! Seeing the growth in our No Offseason community has been a particular highlight (as has been hearing from so many of you about it). Rest assured, it will continue on.

It’s hard to step away from working with so many colleagues who have become friends. But that’s what I’m doing, and I’m excited for what my next chapter holds.

Please continue to follow my brilliant colleagues covering WBB at The Athletic. And thank you for reading and listening. I’ll be forever grateful. More to come soon…

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

New No Offseason Ep! @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I share the latest re: the WNBA CBA talks. Then, we dive into the four power conferences in WCBB with a big question on each as we try and sort out recent chaos www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCVo...

Our Power Four Contenders and Pretenders

YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

NEWS: Some Unrivaled viewership #s, per sources: Unrivaled Opening Day on Monday averaged 175K viewers during its primetime window of games Afternoon window averaged 107K viewers All that is down from 208K average viewership during regular season games in Unrivaled Y1.

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Mike Vorkunov @mikevorkunov.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Sometimes it feels like history can repeat itself in the WNBA. From 2003: "They said if we didn't accept those terms, they would cancel the season at 5 o'clock," WNBA Players Association spokesman Dan Wasserman said.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

NEWS: Despite a Jan. 9 deadline approaching, neither the WNBA nor the WNBPA have offered an extension of the CBA to the other party as of Thursday morning, sources tell The Athletic. The latest on where things stand with another deadline looming: www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...

WNBA, players union remain in CBA deadlock nearing deadline. Is work stoppage looming?

If Friday's deadline passes, what's next in negotiations?

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

New No Offseason Ep! @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss the late December CBB chaos. Then, a deep-dive on Unrivaled S2. We discuss both the league's basketball — and business — and how it fits into the WBB landscape: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUm1...

Will Unrivaled Reach New Heights In Year 2?

YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Reposted by Ben Pickman

The Athletic @theathletic.com · 05/01/2026

Today is the day! Unrivaled is back, and @benpickman.bsky.social has the latest on what you need to know, such as: ◽️ Year 2 growth and changes ◽️ How were rosters created? ◽️ Who isn’t participating? Who’s new? ◽️ How does Unrivaled’s play compare to the WNBA? And much more.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

NEWS: Napheesa Collier will miss the upcoming Unrivaled season as she is set to undergo surgery on both of her ankles next week Her recovery/rehab might also impact her start of the WNBA season www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...

Napheesa Collier to miss Unrivaled season and possible WNBA start after ankle surgeries

The Lynx star is expected to need four to six months of recovery after next week's surgery.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Our final No Offseason Ep of the Year!! Our Year in WBB, awards wrap-up. @sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I name our top games, performances, quotes, reporting stories and more... www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_qy...

How A’ja Wilson Won 2025 | Our Best Moments of the Year

YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Mike Vorkunov @mikevorkunov.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Looks like we've gotten more people on here lately. So it's time to share this if you're looking for more smart, fun, interesting accounts to follow for NBA, WNBA, and basketball in general go.bsky.app/FGmgtea

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

New No Offseason Ep! @sabreenajm.bsky.social Merchant and I react to the WNBPA's latest CBA move, what else we've learned, and what's next Then, Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez joins us. We discuss his 8 (!) rescue dogs, the state of CBB, coaching Paige and more www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LFs...

Jose Fernandez on Coaching Paige Bueckers—and Why the WNBA Was the Right Next Step

YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

The WNBPA's vote to authorize its executive committee to call for a strike when necessary occured earlier this week. Results were received Thursday. More on the timeline, league's latest proposal and what's next. With @sabreenajm.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...

WNBPA authorizes executive committee to call for strike ‘when necessary’ amid CBA talks

The announcement marked the latest development in a tense saga of labor talks between the union and league.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

The WNBA has released the following statement re: the WNBPA's strike authorization vote. "While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations"

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

The league was not surprised by the WNBPA's decision to authorize its executive committee to call for a strike when necessary, sources told The Athletic. The two sides have been meeting throughout the week, and have continued exchanging proposals since their last extension

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Joined @seeratsohi.bsky.social and the Ringer WNBA show to talk more about my recent CBA reporting (see link)… but we talked about a lot else. Including what’s mentioned below. Plus, Seerat’s on-court basketball skillset 😂! www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Mike Vorkunov @mikevorkunov.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Adam Silver is "optimistic" there will be a deal on a new WNBA CBA. "We acknowledge that our players deserve to be paid significantly more than they have so far based on the increased success of the league," he said. "It’s just a question of finding a meeting of the minds on what is a fair deal."

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

NEWS: The WNBPA is asking for more than double the share of revenue proposed by the league The WNBPA's proposed salary system entitles players to around 30% of league/team rev. Union also proposing: -2 developmental player spots -Increased security www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...

WNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources

The league and union are also negotiating on parental leave, retirement benefits as deadline extension looms.

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

NEWS: Sources told @theathletic.com, the WNBPA’s salary system proposal would entitle players to around 30% of league/team revenue — more than double the league's proposed share Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...

WNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources

The league and union are also negotiating on parental leave, retirement benefits as deadline extension looms.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

NEWS: Sources told @theathletic.com, the WNBPA’s salary system proposal would entitle players to around 30% of league/team revenue — more than double the league's proposed share Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...

WNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources

The league and union are also negotiating on parental leave, retirement benefits as deadline extension looms.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

New No Offseason Ep! @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss A'ja Wilson's Time honor and Chris DeMarco's Liberty intro presser. Then, Seattle Storm coach Sonia Raman joins us. We discuss her unique journey, coaching Malonga and much more. youtu.be/sBxpzEonQS4?...

Sonia Raman gets candid on coaching Dominique Malonga, WNBA transition & more

YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Liberty coach Chris DeMarco has concluded his intro press conference and is set to appear at a youth clinic across the street. The kids participating all made him welcome signs

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

New No Offseason Ep! @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I ask (and answer) a big question about each of the four power conferences in WCBB. Thoughts on Michigan, Audi Crooks, the lack of an ACC power, SEC depth and much more. www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHJz...

Which Conference Really Runs Women's Hoops?

YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

New No Offseason Ep! @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I share more about our latest reporting on the WNBA CBA negotiations, Then, we dive fully into our Expansion Draft exercise. On player protections, draft set-up, specific picks and more. www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAcW...

Who’s Safe, Who’s Going? WNBA Expansion Mock Draft

YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

A year ago this week, the Valkyries held their expansion draft. So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks. www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

WNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select?

Our experts make the picks for the WNBA's two newest teams. A four-time WNBA All-Star is among the players on the move.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

A year ago this week, the Valkyries held their expansion draft. So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks. www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

WNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select?

Our experts make the picks for the WNBA's two newest teams. A four-time WNBA All-Star is among the players on the move.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

NEWS: Among the more than a half-dozen new CBA proposal items we’re reporting on, the WNBA has proposed a draft combine. Players that are invited, and elect not to participate without an excused absence would have their salaries reduced. www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...

WNBA CBA proposal includes mandatory draft combine, new revenue-sharing model: Sources

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Sabreena Merchant @sabreenajm.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Sources told @theathletic.com the WNBA’s salary structure proposal would result in players receiving less than 15% of total league revenue. Plus, news on many more proposal items with @benpickman.bsky.social, including a (mandatory?) draft combine, benefits and more. www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...

WNBA CBA proposal includes mandatory draft combine, new revenue-sharing model: Sources

The league proposed a draft combine requirement that ties participation to rookie salary.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

BREAKING Sources told @theathletic.com, the league’s salary structure proposal would result in players receiving less than 15% of total league revenue Plus NEWS on nearly 10 more proposal items including a draft combine nytimes.com/athletic/6857443/2025/12/03/wnba-cba-proposal-draft-combine-salary/

WNBA CBA proposal includes mandatory draft combine, new revenue-sharing model: Sources

The league proposed a draft combine requirement that ties participation to rookie salary.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Since everyone is talking about WNBA CBA proposals... I'd like to propose that all future CBA deadlines expire at *11:59 A.M ET* — and not just before midnight. I think that's a proposal that would get unanimous approval (at least among WNBA media) 😂

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

The WNBPA and WNBA have agreed to extend the CBA through Jan. 9... Like last time, each party has a 48-hour termination clause. "The WNBA and WNBPA are continuing to work toward a new agreement," the league said.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

In a statement to @theathletic.com, the WNBPA said that it has proposed a 6-week extension in the ongoing CBA negotiation. "We expect substantive movement from the league within this window." Unclear, at this time, how the league is/will respond to the offer. CBA expires tonight.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

Sunday is the deadline for the WNBA CBA to expire... The league and WNBPA met Saturday and are expected to meet again today. Here's where things stand on deadline day, and what might be next: www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...

WNBA and players union near extension deadline without CBA resolution. What’s next?

Another delay could impact the winter calendar, including dates for the expansion draft and free agency.

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Richard Deitsch @richarddeitsch.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

For fans of @tempobasketball.bsky.social The first post-U.S. Thanksgiving Sports Media Podcast episode will feature Teresa Resch, the president of the new @wnba.com franchise. To subscribe: link.chtbl.com/SportsMediaP...

Sports Media with Richard Deitsch

The Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch is a weekly show that features interviews with members of the sports media about their work, as well as roundtables with sports media reporters about tele...

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

mong the BTS stories we told on the podcast today, was of Michigan AD Warde Manuel meeting a few @michigandaily.bsky.social reporters after Friday night's thriller between Michigan and UConn, and then Geno Auriemma asking to take a photo of them! www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Packed New No Offseason Ep! @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss: -Liberty HC hire -Lack of Black women W HCs -Michigan v UConn -TA's W Mock Draft -Who goes #1? -Who could slide to 6/7? (Clearly, Sabreena wasn't a fan of that 😂) www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Talked to Mercury president Vince Kozar about the design process behind the new Mercury rebrand. There were few creative limitations — except one: “No spaceships was my big thing,” Kozar said. Full BTS design story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

Phoenix Mercury unveil rebrand ahead of 30th anniversary: ‘We wanted an evolution’

With the WNBA's 30th season approaching next spring, the Mercury are unveiling a significant change of their own.

Reposted by Ben Pickman

The Athletic @theathletic.com · 24/11/2025

NEWS: The Phoenix Mercury have announced a complete rebrand that includes an updated logo 👀 A new uniform is expected to be released on Tuesday.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

For anyone who is a WNBA Draft Lottery nerds... The Wings' winning four number combination was 2-6-12-5. And in the lottery drawing for the second pick, the Lynx had the 11-3-4-13 combination www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjh...

2026 WNBA Draft Lottery - Full Drawing

YouTube video by WNBA

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Two years in a row, the Wings sent Maddy Siegrist to the lottery drawing. Two years in a row, Curt Miller had plane problems on lottery weekend Two years in a row, the Dallas Wings came away with the No. 1 pick Full story on lottery results/implications www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

Dallas Wings win WNBA Draft Lottery for second straight year: Who will join Paige Bueckers?

The Minnesota Lynx land the No. 2 pick, and the Seattle Storm won the third selection. The Mystics are No. 4 and the Sky No. 5.

Reposted by Ben Pickman

The Athletic @theathletic.com · 23/11/2025

The No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft is headed to the Dallas Wings‼️ Who should they select?

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

Last week, Geno Auriemma and Kim Barnes Arico traded texts about how they weren't looking forward to playing each other on Friday They expected a challenge And they got one. From Uncasville — On UConn surviving a scare, Syla Swords, Azzi Fudd, and more www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...

UConn survives its toughest test after challenge from Michigan

The top-ranked Huskies remain undefeated.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

“We turned that corner, and when I saw the people, I said, ‘Holy sh–. Boy, have we come a long way.'" For The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings, I talked to Cheryl Reeve about what it's been like watching fandom grow, cross-sport synergy and more www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

Minneapolis is a top women’s sports city. A local champion explains why

Minneapolis at No. 2 in our Top Women's Sports Cities ranking may be a bit of a surprise. But not if you talk to Cheryl Reeve.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

As the two sides continue to meet this week, can confirm via sources with knowledge of the CBA discussions that the league’s most recent proposal to the WNBPA included a max salary of more than $1.1 million. AP first on it.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

New No Offseason Ep! @sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss what we saw/heard at UConn-OSU + USC-South Carolina (among other games) We dive into The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings. And I vent about a pickup basketball pet peeve youtu.be/fOABPbhCOLw?...

Who Can Keep Up With UConn, South Carolina, and TCU?

YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Meg Linehan @meglinehan.com · 18/11/2025

Just in time for the NWSL championship this week, the Bay asserts itself as the best place — according to our @theathletic.com staff vote — for women’s sports in the U.S. Some surprises in here, even for me! I’m on deck today with the results ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...

What makes a great women’s sports city? We ranked the top 10 in the U.S.

The Bay Area earned the top spot in our first-ever city ranking, and the No. 2 city might surprise you.

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

From Hartford — The play of Sarah Strong, Blanca Quiñonez, Azzi Fudd and the rest of the Huskies begs the question: Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner? www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

Is UConn even more dominant than last season’s national championship team?

The Huskies have won every game so far by double digits thanks to their depth.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

From Hartford — The play of Sarah Strong, Blanca Quiñonez, Azzi Fudd and the rest of the Huskies begs the question: Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner? www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

Is UConn even more dominant than last season’s national championship team?

The Huskies have won every game so far by double digits thanks to their depth.

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

No Offseason Ep @zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss the first week(end) of WCBB Then, @gabbyherzig.bsky.social joins us for a golf x WNBA crossover. On Caitlin Clark's pro-am appearance this week, basketball players' golf obsession, the state of the LPGA and more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrB...

How Golf Helps Caitlin Clark on the Court

YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

Richie Adubato, who is the Liberty's record-holder for games coached and second in wins, has died, the NBA announced. In New York, he coached notables such as Becky Hammon, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Sue Wicks to great success. He also coached the NBA's Magic, Pistons, and Mavs among others

Reposted by Ben Pickman

Sabreena Merchant @sabreenajm.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

It’s my three-year anniversary at The Athletic today! I celebrated by complaining about Duke’s offense. More WBB week 1 thoughts with @benpickman.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...

Which women’s college basketball teams are showing signs for concern in Week 1?

What are the games to watch? Who impressed the most? Our experts weigh in.